Rolex Submariner 126610LV Green Ceramic ‘Kermit’ Watch

In 2023, Swiss watch exports sparked immense enthusiast discussions, nearly doubling the fervor of the previous year. Countless blogs, articles, social media posts, and watch meetups buzzed with obsessive watch aficionados meticulously parsing through every detail about Rolex, striving to discern even the slightest variations between models. This phenomenon, simultaneously nauseating and captivating, stems from Rolex’s enigmatic marketing strategy. Despite largely financing the Swiss watch industry’s marketing efforts, Rolex remains notoriously reticent about its updates. Over decades, cheap Rolex has adhered to a strategy of incremental improvements, relentlessly pursuing perfection. Hence, the 2023 update to the Rolex Submariner (ref. 126610LV) holds particular intrigue – while virtually nothing changed, Rolex, in a departure from its usual silence, subtly addressed it.

In the case of the replica Rolex Submariner 126610LV, affectionately dubbed the “Kermit” or “Starbucks” (because apparently, one nickname isn’t sufficient), the only discernible change was the introduction of a green shade in the bezel.

Before delving into specifics, let’s establish the fundamentals. The 2023 Rolex Submariner 126610LV is a 41mm wide, 12mm thick, stainless steel dive watch with a lug-to-lug measurement of 47.6mm, paired with an oyster bracelet. Constructed of an alloy Clone Rolex terms “Oystersteel,” the steel case and bracelet boast superior corrosion resistance and a more lustrous polished finish than traditional 316L stainless steel, owing to elevated levels of nickel, chromium, copper, and molybdenum. Atop the case sits a unidirectional 120-click bezel with a Cerachrom ceramic elapsed time insert. The engraved numerals, coated with a thin layer of PVD platinum, exude a silvery white hue with minimal shine. A flat sapphire crystal with a magnifying cyclops covering the date adorns the dial. Although Rolex no longer specifies the cyclops magnification, it was previously listed as 2.5x. The gloss black dial features six lines of text and applied indices filled with luminescent material known as Chromalight. Completing the ensemble are polished white gold hands – the iconic Mercedes hour hand, baton minute hand, and lollipop seconds hand – driven by the 3235 in-house movement. This Superlative Chronometer movement boasts precision of ±2 seconds per day, along with shock and magnetic resistance, and approximately 70 hours of power reserve. The oyster bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case, tapering from 21mm to 18mm, and incorporates on-the-fly adjustment within the clasp. Undoubtedly, the Submariner embodies a comprehensive array of features – yet, this isn’t merely a review of the Submariner; it’s an exploration of the peculiarities surrounding this particular reference and the subtle color alteration that only the most astute watch enthusiasts would notice.

Let’s address one clarification: Rolex never issued an official statement regarding the color change. However, it was verbally confirmed by Rolex representatives at replica watches and Wonders 2023, as well as at boutiques and authorized dealers worldwide. This verbal confirmation stands as the closest thing to official acknowledgment of Rolex modifying colors. Unlike the Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi,” which underwent multiple color changes without official acknowledgment, the Submariner’s alteration garnered a somewhat different response.

Why acknowledge the change this time? Some speculate that the adjusted color brings the Submariner ref. 126610LV closer to the original green bezel of the Submariner ref. 16610LV. Others suggest it serves as a subtle nod to the 70th anniversary of the Submariner, although Rolex had no formal plans for commemoration. This speculation, initially put forth by Adrian Barker during last year’s trade show, swiftly gained acceptance. Personally, I believe Rolex adjusted the formula, and once the change became known, they embraced it. While Rolex is known for celebrating milestones, the 70th anniversary doesn’t appear significant enough to warrant a special acknowledgment, and a quiet color alteration seems a rather lackluster method of celebration.

This could mark the initial step in a gradual shift in Rolex’s strategy. Recent years have witnessed numerous changes within the brand. Unexpected watch debuts at international events, substantial investments in the preowned market, unveiling of new watchmaking ventures, and various other developments surrounding the brand have occurred. However, as with all things fake Rolex, only time will unveil the full extent of these changes, and we’ll be here to report on them as they unfold. With Watches & Wonders 2024 on the horizon, surprises undoubtedly await, although increased transparency from Rolex seems unlikely.